Black Coffee

In the opening scene, a loud klaxon sounds on Robert's alarm clock as he wakes up-- there's no ambiguity about the meaning of the titular metaphor of this film. Writer/producer Mark Harris uses positive messages of self-improvement, social responsibility, and hope to prompt his audience to change in this unconventional RomCom.

It's refreshing to finally see a movie that models positive, socially constructive values instead of all the stereotypes and derision found in nearly every big-studio film with black characters. Harris uses a direct approach to deliver his message -- the characters simply say what black folks should do to improve themselves. And Harris lets us know that he is fully aware of all of the racist techniques that mainstream Hollywood producers use to deride and oppress black people: black characters depicted in lower-socioeconomic positions; stereotypical behaviors; substandard grammar and pronunciation; no eye contact; and the promotion of anti-social values. Harris directly addresses these with counter-messaging for each one. And to drive home the point, the film reverses the usual Hollywood-typical roles of black and white people -- a white guy who delivers bad news to the protagonist; a white assistant who is deferential to a black businessman; a white patron at the bookstore being exceptionally rude; and the white guy pleading with the black protagonist for help at one point. In big-studio films all of those white characters would be cast with black actors instead.

One message promoted in the film that I have a disagreement with is the idea of economic segregation. Via this story, the filmmakers argue that black folks should only buy and sell to other black folks to improve their economic condition. Now I agree that buying $500 "swoosh" sneakers made by overseas slave labor or buying expensive gold chains from your local non-black-owned jewelry store is probably not a smart idea. But the tactic promoted by this film of complete segregation, while perhaps effective in the short term is ultimately unsustainable and doesn't get society to where it needs to be. However, the ideas of entrepreneurship, self-improvement, and mutual respect presented in the film are all good.

The writing was solid and the dialog was natural and believable. And the acting was well above average. Story-wise, this film broke somewhat from the RomCom formula in a way that was innovative and actually worked. Also, the characters who play the preexisting partners of the protagonists are treated with more respect, not just as disposable foils or antagonists, but as real people who have issues and are redeemable. Hollywood producers could take a lesson from this film and be a little more willing to step out of the RomCom formula rut.

But there were some serious technical issues with the film. Some of the exterior shots were overexposed and the filmmakers failed to maintain control over ambient noise in location shots. And the audio editing was really choppy. If they couldn't pick a venue where they had control over the noise, then they should have just shot the video and then had the talent come in and re-dub the lines and mix in any required ambient sound in post (which would probably require wider framing and more reaction shots because it's a labor-intensive process to try to sync a dub for more than a second or so against a closeup). Or better yet, shoot it in-studio against a green screen (where motorcycles and helicopters can't stomp on the actors' lines) and then add in whatever location you need later in post.

Overall though, this was a well-written and well-acted film that was somewhat direct at times, but had a positive, socially responsible message. It was clear that Harris didn't want to compromise his message in this film and the result was well worth it. (However, I noticed a later project by Harris, 'No Regrets', which seemed to slip into more Hollywood-style black stereotypes with substandard grammar and anti-social behavior by the black characters.)

Even with the technical flaws, I'm giving this a rating of 9/10 because the message it delivers is so positive.

Advisory: Promotion of drug use by the protagonists.

Rating: 9/10;

This film begins with a young man by the name of "Robert" (Darrin Dewitt Henson) getting fired from a job at a company his father started, but now being managed by a man named "Nate" (Josh Ventura). Needless to say, since he is a hard worker and Nate was his friend, this news comes as quite a shock to him. Not only that, but when he returns to his home, he finds that his girlfriend "Mita" (Erica Hubbard) is leaving him as well since, now being unemployed, he obviously cannot continue to support her in the manner she is accustomed to. He later discovers that Mita has been cheating on him with Nate. It's during this time that he meets an attractive female lawyer by the name of "Morgan" (Gabrielle Dennis), and sparks fly between them. The problem is that Morgan's ex-husband, "Hill" (Lamman Rucker), is pressuring her to reconcile with him, and this makes any romance with Robert extremely difficult. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a cute rom-com, helped in large part by the chemistry between Darrin Dewitt Henson and Gabrielle Dennis, along with the comedy supplied by Christian Keyes (as Robert's cousin "Julian") and Erica Hubbard. Admittedly, the focus seems to be geared more towards a black audience, but even so, I still enjoyed this film, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Director, Mark Harris has taken another leap forward in his career with this latest addition of "Black Coffee."

The delicate balance of black relationships is hard to capture in an authentic and heart felt way for most filmmakers, but Mark's command of subtle nuance pulls it off brilliantly here. I am particularly impressed with the way the storyline remains entertaining and sexy without ever going "raunchy". I appreciate Marks level of sophistication and taste.

Black Coffee is a great relationship film for anyone of any background and especially those brothers and sisters in the world looking for love today. Great insights into the minds of men and women.

A must rent for date night.

Poor Robert (Darrin Dewitt Henson). First, his boss fires him, even though Robert's father actually started the company! It's a surprise. Then, when this handsome man gets home, his mercurial girlfriend declares that she is moving out, since no ring has appeared. It looks like a double whammy for Rob! His crazy, coffee seller cousin Julian (Christian Keyes) is there to help him adjust. But, sometimes things happen for the better. First, Robert can devote more time to his side business and true love, interior painting. His skill can transform office space into something magic. Then, at a secondhand bookstore, Robert spies a beautiful lady, Morgan (Gabrielle Dennis). Although he doesn't get a chance to introduce himself, SHE calls him soon, for she wants her office redecorated, as she is a lawyer. But, curiously, Gabby doesn't seem to want to respond to Robert's obvious interest. All too soon, Robert learns that her ex-husband may want her back and is messing with her mind. Then, Robert finds out that his ex-girlfriend is having an affair with his former boss. So, that's why he was fired! Will Robert be able to win Morgan's affections? Maybe so, as he hatches a brilliant idea in his mind! This movie, to some, has an obvious agenda. African Americans need to become small business owners in order to truly make the big bucks. Yes, this may be a great idea to ponder. But, even when the flick is most blatantly persuasive, there is still a nice romantic comedy at the core. We fans care most about this! The cast is nice, with Keyes, especially, very funny. Also, the setting, costumes, story and direction are quite capable, resulting in an enjoyable watch. If you love your romcoms, like me, pick this one, brew up some coffee and gobble some cookies, too.

A great date movie, Darren Dewitt Henson and Gabrielle Dennis have undeniable chemistry in this light romantic comedy. Christian Keys and Erica Hubbard provide the laughs. I saw this at the first matinée showing in Alexandria, VA and there were a lot of laughs in the theater. This indie is set in LA. With cinematography by Adam Lee, Black Coffee has a glossy and finished look. All the actors look beautiful and director Mark Harris's earnest message of black professionalism and empowerment is a refreshing change from the stereotypes of African-Americans all to frequently seen on film. Currently in limited release, in Chicago, D.C., Baltimore and Atlanta, it deserves a wider release. Go, you will be glad you did.